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DAN RATHER TO ANCHOR CBS NEWS' LIVE COVERAGE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE FROM CORAL GABLES, FLA, THURSDAY, SEPT. 30

Coverage Will Include the Results of a Moment-by-Moment Scientific Poll Regarding Voters' Feelings About Campaign Issues and the Debate

Dan Rather will anchor CBS News' live coverage of the first presidential debate between President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry from The University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, Thursday, Sept. 30 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/6:00-8:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network. The debate will also be webcast on the CBS News website (www.cbsnews.com).

Following the debate, which is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes, Rather, along with CBS News correspondents and representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties, will provide analysis and offer their reaction to the candidates' performances. Rather will be joined by CBS News Chief White House Correspondent John Roberts, covering the Bush re-election campaign; CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts, who is covering the Kerry campaign; and CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer.

During the broadcast, a unique, moment-by-moment poll will be conducted to get reaction from a nationwide group of uncommitted voters on their feelings about the debate and key campaign issues. CBS News Correspondent Anthony Mason will provide the results of the poll immediately following the debate. The poll will be conducted by Knowledge Networks, based in Menlo Park, Calif.

The second debate -- featuring the vice presidential candidates, Dick Cheney and John Edwards -- will be broadcast Tuesday, Oct. 5 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/6:00-8:00 PM, PT) from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and the third -- featuring President Bush and Senator Kerry -- will be broadcast Friday, Oct. 8 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/6:00-8:00 PM, PT) from St. Louis, Missouri. The fourth debate, moderated by Schieffer and featuring the presidential candidates, will be broadcast Wednesday, Oct. 13 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/6:00-8:00 PM, PT) from Tempe, Arizona. Rather will anchor all of those broadcasts as well.